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The Ambassador Society

The success of Eisenhower Medical Center’s philanthropic efforts has been so outstanding that the Board of Governors agreed to establish a level of recognition that would honor our donors of one million dollars and above. The Ambassador Society was born— to acknowledge these 32 couples, 29 individuals and six foundations whose level of giving and caring is unparalleled. Ambassador Society members Lynn Zimmer and Barbara and Robert Freemont signing the 700 pound beam that will bridge the new Annenberg Pavilion to the original Eisenhower Hopspital.

The name was inspired by Ambassador Walter and Leonore Annenberg, whose invaluable support of Eisenhower Medical Center exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy. Members of the Ambassador Society are honored for capturing the founding vision of Eisenhower Medical Center as a world-class hospital and helping turn that vision into a reality. Through their giving, the Ambassador Society, which currently has more than 90 members, represents the heartfelt generosity, compassion and volunteer service necessary for saving and improving lives at Eisenhower Medical Center.

On Monday, February 4, they were honored at the inaugural dinner at The Vintage Club in Indian Wells. The elegant black tie event, planned by the Ambassador Society Committee, which included Leonore Annenberg as Honorary Chair, featured a special “beam signing” of a 700 pound, 10-foot steel beam—the final steel connection bridging the original hospital and the new stateof- the-art $212.5 million Annenberg Pavilion. Ambassador Society members signed the beam—a physical manifestation of the significant impact their unparalleled generosity has made on Eisenhower Medical Center.

Phyllis and Dennis Washington and Carole and John Moran enjoy the Ambassador Society’s Inaugural Event at the Vintage Club. Carol Price, Chair of the 2008 Ambassador Society dinner and a member of the Eisenhower Medical Center Foundation Board of Governors and Board of Directors, welcomed guests. With a dramatic centerpiece of white hydrangeas and spring flowers at each table, the inviting ambience was a beautiful backdrop for old friends and new to share an elegant dinner and delightful evening together. Ambassador Society members each received a specially designed Ambassador medallion, set on red velvet and framed.

The evening also premiered two new tribute awards: a Humanitarian Award and a Distinguished Fellow Award. Each year, the Humanitarian Award will be given to an Eisenhower Medical Center physician in recognition of outstanding service. Joel Hirschberg, MD was chosen as the first recipient of this special honor, presented by G. Aubrey Serfling, President and Chief Executive Officer. The Distinguished Fellow Award, which will be given annually to a donor who has shown exceptional dedication to Eisenhower, was given by Harry M. Goldstein, Chairman of the Eisenhower Board of Directors, to Stanley Pace, who has played an active leadership role at the Medical Center for more than 10 years.

RECOGNITION WALL The names of Ambassador Society members will be engraved on a specially created recognition wall at the main entry to Eisenhower Hospital. The recognition wall is part of a dynamic redesign of the hospital entrance façade; construction of this grand entry is scheduled to begin in January 2009.

To learn more about the Ambassador Society, contact the Eisenhower Medical Center Foundation at 760-773-1888.

TRIBUTE AWARD WINNERS HUMANITARIAN AWARD Joel Hirschberg, MD

Selected by the Ambassador Society Committee, Joel Hirschberg, MD received the inaugural Humanitarian Award in recognition of outstanding service at the 2008 Ambassador Society Dinner.

Dr. Hirschberg, Medical Director of Eisenhower’s Arthritis Education Program and Section Chief of Arthritis/Rheumatology, has been on staff at Eisenhower Medical Center since 1981. He earned his medical degree at George Washington University, completed his internship and residency at the University of Pittsburgh, and was a Fellow in Rheumatology at the University of California, Los Angeles. DISTINGUISHED FELLOW AWARD Stanley Pace

Stanley Pace was chosen by the Ambassador Society Committee to receive the inaugural Distinguished Fellow Award for his exceptional service, dedication and support of the Medical Center. Retired chief executive officer of General Dynamics, Mr. Pace was elected to Eisenhower’s Executive Committee in 1994 and served as a member of Eisenhower Medical Center’s Board of Directors. He has served as a Trustee of Eisenhower Medical Center since 1994. Mr. Pace has also been instrumental in helping lead the organization with wise counsel and great integrity.